A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 23-year-old female who is on vacation for her honeymoon. Two days ago, she began experiencing burning while voiding and a tactile fever. The patient reports she has been treating the symptoms with cranberry tablets and increased fluid intake. Her symptoms have not improved and now she is experiencing a frequent urge to void and lower abdominal pain. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the patient has a low-grade fever.
-Based on the patient's clinical presentation,which of the following diagnoses is most likely?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest a lower urinary tract infection, most likely cystitis. The burning while voiding, frequent urge to void, and lower abdominal pain are typical symptoms of cystitis. The low-grade fever may indicate that the infection is starting to spread to the upper urinary tract, but without additional symptoms such as back pain or flank pain, pyelonephritis is less likely. Urethritis is possible, but less likely given the patient's other symptoms. General urinary tract infection is not a specific diagnosis.

A Nurse in the Emergency Department Is Caring for a 23-Year-Old